Tuesday, 2 July 2013

The False Poets - Tell Me When

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

When we mentioned just yesterday that the phrase "a picture paints a thousand words" could be countered with "never judge a book by its cover", we weren't taking into account the debut single from Durham band The False Poets. Clearly that cover art is designed to look retro, like an old 7" cover, boasting that the recording is in "Stereo". The sinister looking character staring at you and the style of writing also indicate that while this may be influenced by past sounds, it's unlikely that they're trying to emulate Pat Boone or Englebert Humperdink. No, 'Tell Me When' has a cover that makes it look like it's going to be some kind of freakbeat or garage sounds that are contained within.

Now let us draw your attention to two quotes from the band's websites: "It's summer 1964 all over again Pop Pickers" and also "60s Garage Rock Preservationists". We commend them on the choice of "preservationists" as opposed to "throwbacks" or "revivalists" etc. The False Poets want to keep this music alive, and they do it well. So it's '60s garage that could have slotted onto a Nuggets compilation; you know the sound. As for the quality, well 'Tell Me When' has hints of blues and soul mixed in which adds a nice touch, and 'Stick Or Twist' is more upbeat with some great vintage-sounding guitar. They're two quality tunes that sound as much like the real deal as the cover looks it. All that's missing is Keith Fordyce introducing them performing the songs on 'Ready Steady Go!'.